The production team of the film About Family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to veteran actor Lee Soon Jae (89), who stepped in to replace Oh Young Soo (80) as the latter faced sexual misconduct claims. The film’s director, Yang Woo Suk, and cast members Kim Yun Seok, Lee Seung Gi, and Park Soo Young attended a press conference and media screening on November 21 at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul, where they discussed the surprising casting move.
Oh Young Soo, who was originally cast as a senior monk, finished filming before being charged in November 2022. Following allegations and legal proceedings, Oh was sentenced to eight months in prison and two years of probation. Following these developments, the production team decided to remove him from the movie and recast the character.
Director Yang Woo Suk spoke on the difficult decision to replace Oh Young Soo, highlighting the production team’s unanimous consensus to approach Lee Soon Jae. “When looking for a successor, the entire team immediately thought of Lee Soon Jae. “We contacted him right away,” Yang said. Interestingly, Lee Soon Jae read the script and agreed to join the production within two days.
Yang described Lee Soon Jae’s contribution as transformative, saying, “While Oh Young Soo’s departure was a setback, Lee’s involvement proved to be a blessing in disguise. His remarkable performance brought a new depth and perspective to the character, enhancing the overall narrative of the film.”
of Family is a heartwarming and amusing story of Ham Mu Ok (Kim Yun Seok), a dumpling shop owner who is dealing with his son Ham Moon Seok’s (Lee Seung Gi) decision to become a monk, leaving no heir to carry on the family company. The plot takes a joyful turn when unexpected grandchildren arrive, introducing new dynamics and challenges into their life.
The film, which is full of poignant moments and comedy, is due to release on December 11, promising a new perspective on family relationships and customs.